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Staff at Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: HG

As of October 2024, VNU-HCMC reported having 6,406 staff, including 991 administrative managers and 5,415 specialized staff working in professional capacities.

The institution has 34 professors, 328 associate professors, and 1,255 Ph.D. holders, bringing the total number of doctorate-qualified personnel to 1,617. The remaining staff includes 2,532 master's degree holders, 1,746 bachelor's degree holders, and 511 others with unspecified qualifications.

Compared to 2023, the total number of staff at VNU-HCMC increased by 202 in 2024, but the number of doctorate holders grew by only 74.

Striving for 75% Ph.D. faculty by 2030

VNU-HCMC is implementing its VNU350 program, aimed at attracting, retaining, and nurturing 350 outstanding young and leading scientists.

Under the program, young scientists are provided significant resources: In the first two years, they receive a type-C research grant worth VND 200 million ($8,200); In the third year, they qualify for a type-B grant of up to VND 1 billion ($41,200); In the fourth year, they are eligible for funding of up to VND 10 billion (~$412,000) to establish a research laboratory; By the fifth year, support is provided to help them meet state-level criteria for associate professorship.

For leading scientists, the program offers: A type-B research grant worth up to VND 1 billion in the first two years; Laboratory funding of up to VND 30 billion ($1.23 million) in subsequent years; Assistance in establishing strong research teams and leading major projects.

In addition to these benefits, participants receive salaries, bonuses, and other allowances, such as overtime compensation, research support, and seniority-based bonuses.

Key factors for attracting top scientists

Associate Professor Vu Hai Quan, Director of VNU-HCMC, emphasized three critical factors to attract exceptional scientists:

Autonomy and creativity: Scientists are empowered to lead major research groups, direct key laboratories, and spearhead new academic programs, supported by financial resources to independently pursue research agendas.

Opportunities for contribution: With the mission of solving national and global challenges, scientists at VNU-HCMC can lead large-scale projects, expand international collaborations, and mentor talented students, contributing to Vietnam’s development.

Career development: Scientists are supported in their aspirations to achieve associate professorships, full professorships, or leading academic roles while striving for prestigious awards.

Despite plans to recruit 65 Ph.D. holders in 2024, VNU-HCMC has so far attracted only 27.

The university aims to have 75% of its teaching staff hold doctoral degrees by 2030.

Le Huyen